Overview
- Thomas, who joined the Court in 1991, reached the No. 2 tenure mark on Thursday after more than 34 years of service.
- His originalist approach helped drive major rulings that overturned Roe v. Wade, curbed race-based admissions, and broadened gun rights under a history-and-tradition test.
- With greater seniority, he can assign who writes opinions when the chief justice is not in the majority, which gives him quiet leverage inside the Court.
- Recent attention has zeroed in on undisclosed luxury travel and his wife’s political activity, focusing debate on ethics rules for justices.
- He would surpass William O. Douglas in May 2028 if he remains on the bench, with no indication he plans to step down.